At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandising for Tents & Camping, driving sales and stock efficiency.
- Company: Join JD Sports, a leading name in outdoor retail.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for growth and development.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment perfect for those who thrive on data and results.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of outdoor products.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising or retail planning is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: JD Group HQ (Bury, Greater Manchester)
Department: Buying
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Role Overview
To lead the team across all channels to deliver Sales, Markdown, Stock, Intake and Profit Plans. Be influential in the implementing of change to achieve company goals/objectives. As a Merchandiser at JD Outdoors, you will drive sales, profit, and stock efficiency across the Tents & Camping categories. Collaborating with the Buying team, you'll ensure the right products are in the right locations, at the right time, and in the right quantities to maximise performance. You will analyse sales data, stock levels, and market trends to make decisions that optimise product availability and minimise markdowns. With a focus on range planning, forecasting, and trading, you'll support strategies that align customer demand with business goals. Working closely with Buyers, Allocators, and suppliers, you will manage the critical path, ensure smooth product flow, and respond swiftly to sales opportunities. Your commercial awareness, analytical skills, and problem-solving will help JD Outdoors deliver an inspiring, market‑leading offer that drives brand growth. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced retail environment, enjoys working with data, and is results‑driven.
What You'll Be Doing
- Planning
- Drive the review of the previous season and capture lessons learned
- Drive the strategy for the department and present
- Review the SMT plan at apply plan at Category/Season level to meet the overall plan
- Quarterly plan at Category/Season level with the Buyer to submit a plan on the System that reflects the best possible mix of product to deliver the KPI’s
- Attend selection/pre‑selection meetings with the Buyer and suppliers
- Plan the pre‑scheduling to meet the range plan – in conjunction with Assistant Merchandisers
- Overview the ratios for all buys in conjunction with merchandise teams.
- Ensure that the Buy matches the plan
- Buy
- Be responsible for the pushing of the business forward through proposing new ways of working and planning and be the driving force in implementing
- Ensures Buying and Merchandising plans tie in with financial stock targets (sales, stock and intake)
- Ensures supplier terms are utilised to hit company targets.
- Trading
- Review weekly trading performance and achieved KPI’s, identifying Issues and the course of action in preparation for the weekly trading meetings
- Propose and agree actions to recover risk and maximise opportunities with the Buyer at category and line level.
- Monthly – Capture all agreed actions in the monthly reviews
- Work up the forecast for the category/Season
- Meet and gain approval: Incorporating Forecasting any sales variance to plan
- Creation and management of OTB’s
- Management of commitments – On time delivery, rebuys cancellations
- Markdown proposals
- Manage the range plan in Season reflecting any changes
- Create and manage/monitor sell out dates against all products
- Manage Intake at category and line level
- Teamwork
- Work with the Buyer to deliver the plan
- Guide and direct the Merchandising Team to help deliver the plan
- Work closely with the multi‑channel team to help deliver the plan.
- Establish working relationships with Store Operations, Visual Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, DC, etc.
- Team development right up to Merchandiser helping the business to facilitate internal promotion/strengthening of the teams.
- Work with online marketing executives to optimise the website.
- Attend all Systems courses to enable full utilisation of the System
- Adhere to the Merchandise Calendar delivery plans and forecasts as required
- Focus on Training and developing your team ‘On-The-Job’
- Achieve company Sales, Margins, and stock plans.
- Previous experience in merchandising, planning, or a similar commercial retail role (outdoor retail experience desirable but not essential).
- Strong understanding of stock management, forecasting, and critical path processes.
- Commercially astute with awareness of market trends, competitor activity, and customer buying behaviours.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable working with large data sets.
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Experience using merchandising or retail planning systems.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence in liaising with suppliers and internal teams.
- A proactive, solution‑focused approach with the ability to react quickly to changing circumstances.
- Passionate about retail, product, and the outdoor sector, with a drive to deliver results.
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Merchandiser in Bury employer: JDSPORTS
At JD Sports HQ in Bury, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture. As a Merchandiser in the Outdoors department, you will benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, allowing you to grow your career while working with a passionate team dedicated to delivering market-leading products. Our commitment to innovation and employee well-being ensures that you will thrive in a fast-paced environment, making a meaningful impact on our business and customers alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser in Bury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up social media groups related to merchandising. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience with stock management and data analysis. Bring examples of how you've driven sales or improved processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email. Express your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific about JD Outdoors that excites you. It shows you're genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching market trends and competitor activity. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to JD's goals. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s passionate about driving results in the outdoor retail sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandiser in Bury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Merchandiser role at JD Outdoors. Highlight your experience in merchandising, stock management, and any relevant outdoor retail experience. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the outdoors and how your analytical skills can drive sales and profit for JD Outdoors. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Data Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to showcase your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any experience you have with large data sets. We’re looking for someone who can turn numbers into actionable insights, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at JDSPORTS
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandiser, you'll be working with data all the time. Brush up on your numerical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive sales or manage stock. Prepare some examples of how you’ve analysed trends or made decisions based on data.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the outdoor retail sector, especially around tents and camping gear. Be prepared to discuss competitors and what makes JD Outdoors stand out. Showing that you’re aware of market dynamics will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role involves a lot of collaboration with Buyers and other teams. Think of examples where you’ve successfully worked in a team to achieve a goal. Highlight your communication skills and how you can guide and support others in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing stock levels during peak season or responding to unexpected sales trends. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies clearly, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
